While the Jones County Board of Commissioners considered their division of one-cent sales tax funds, department heads continued to vie for funding for their projects.

The Development Authority of Jones County came before the board Feb. 18, asking for funds for infrastructure for Griswoldville Park, which is needed for the future development of the industrial park.

Development Authority Executive Director Kathyjo Gordon started her presentation with the introduction of Development Authority Chairman Greg Mullis, members Dottie Walker, Francis Adams and engineer Tim Ingram.

“We believe our economic development future and success stems from this organization,” she said.

Gordon said NFI, the first company to locate in the park, has 40 full-time employees with 14 employees working on-site. She said NFI reported a record year in 2013.

“We are certainly glad to have this company in our park,” she said.

The director reminded the board of the positives of the park: large acreage, community owned, rail leading to the port in Savannah, water and gas available, four-lane road access, well maintained entrance and landscaping, on-site fire station, seven miles from interstate, close to an airport, and informed community leadership with active sales team and commitment to economic development.